snake-root
Definition
Noun: Any of various plants (especially of the genera Aristolochia or Eupatorium) whose roots have been used historically as an antidote to snake venom or for medicinal purposes.
Usage Examples
- (A plant root used against venom.)
- (A traditional medicinal plant.)
Advanced Usage
- "Virginia snake-root": a specific species () native to eastern North America, used by Indigenous peoples.
- Pioneers learned from Native Americans how to identify Virginia snake-root for treating wounds.
Variants and Related Words
- Snake-root (also spelled as one word or hyphenated): interchangeable variants of the same term.
- The pharmacist sold snake-root tincture for snakebite emergencies. (A liquid extract of the root.)
Synonyms
- Snakeweed: another common name for certain plants used against snake venom.
- Rattlesnake root: a colloquial term for species, also believed to treat snakebites.
Related Idioms
- "To have snake-root in one's pocket" (archaic): to possess a sure cure or protective charm.
- He carried snake-root in his pocket whenever he traveled through the woods. (A superstitious talisman for safety.)